Anaconda

Overview

Introduction

This city (originally named Copperopolis, 250 mi/400 km west of Billings) is a reminder of the great mining days of the 1800s and early 1900s. Copper barons built their mansions as quickly as they could dole out the capital—even in the most remote locations, no expense was spared. You can see the fruits of their labors in some of Anaconda's historic buildings at the town's center, such as the city hall, the courthouse and the Washoe Theater.

Another impressive structure—even though you can only view it from a distance—is the Anaconda Smelter Stack. Built for the Anaconda Copper Co. in 1919, this soaring brick tower stands 585 ft/178 m tall. A former waste site for the mine has been converted into the Old Works Golf Course, which is a Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course. The Copper King Express, a refurbished passenger train, features a 42-mi/68-km round trip through Durant Canyon and other scenic points of interest.

Northeast of Anaconda, along Interstate 90 and just outside of Deer Lodge, is Grant-Kohrs Ranch National Historic Site, a well-preserved cattle ranch from the late 1800s with a beautiful, stately ranch house.

Northwest of Anaconda, along the Pintler Scenic Loop (Montana Highway 1), is Georgetown Lake and its recreational offerings, including boating, camping, and fishing for salmon and rainbow trout. Still farther north along the Pintler Scenic Loop is the historic 19th century mining town of Philipsburg, with its well-preserved storefronts and Ghost Town Hall of Fame.

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